Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launched the new A238 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, which finally joins its hardtop sibling in the company’s Dream Car Collection line-up. Available in a sole E 300 variant, buyers will have to fork out RM588,888 (on-the-road without insurance) for the al fresco motoring experience.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a M274 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 241 hp (245 PS) and 370 Nm of torque. All that power is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, enabling the cabriolet to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

A sports exhaust system is fitted to provide a sportier engine note, while Dynamic Body Control suspension with adaptive damping can be adjusted depending on the driver’s needs. These elements are collectively controlled with the car’s Dynamic Select system (Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual) and dedicated switch in the cabin.

Visually, the cabriolet is most distinguishable from the coupe by its power-folding fabric soft-top, which is available in dark brown, dark blue, red or black. The E 300 Cabriolet also gets the AMG Line exterior and Night packages, where the former includes the diamond grille with chrome pins, sportier bumpers and integrated chrome exhaust finishers.

Also found on the exterior are 19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels (with 245/40 front and 275/35 rear profile tyres) and range-topping Multibeam LED headlamps that feature adaptive high beam assist plus and Mercedes’ LED Intelligent Light System.

On the inside, there are powered front seats with memory functionality, which are climatised for better comfort. Also standard is combination black and white Nappa leather upholstery, coupled with black open pore ash wood trim.

You’ll also find the familiar Widescreen Cockpit that is synonymous with the E-Class range, whereby one of the two 12.3-inch displays in front of the driver provides core information. Meanwhile, the screen in the middle is dedicated to the car’s COMAND Online infotainment system, which is controlled via a touchpad on the centre console.

Along with a wide range of media connectivity functions (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), the system is also linked to a Burmester sound system. Other features included wireless device charging, Thermotronic automatic climate control, a heads-up display, Air Balance package, Keyless-Go, Hands-Free Access, an analogue clock and the Cabriolet Comfort package (Airscarf).

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.